"Have a care," retorted the farmer: "I am ordered out in the King's name but I shall return in that of the People. Speak out," he added, turning to the Swiss, "who are you for?"
The foreign soldiers were silent. Launay pointed to the iron door. But Billet attempted a final effort.
"Governor, in the name of the nation, in the name of your brothers!"
"Brothers? is that what you call them who are bellowing 'Down the Bastile, and Death to the Governor?' they may be brothers of yours, but surely they are none of mine."
"Humanity--which urges you to come a hundred thousand strong against one hundred hapless soldiers immured in these walls and cut their throats?"
"But by giving up the Bastile you save their lives."
Billet was hushed, for the soldierly argument crushed him; but again he addressed the soldiers, saying:
"Surrender, friends, while it is yet time; in another ten minutes it will be too late."
"I will have you shot unless you are out of this instantly," thundered Launay, "as true as I am a noble."
Billet stopped an instant, folded his arms in token of defiance and, crossing glances for the last time with the exasperated governor, walked forth.
Under the burning July sun the crowds awaited, shuddering with fever. Gonchon's men had joined in with Marat's, the suburbs hailing each other as brothers. Gonchon was at the head of his patriots but Marat had disappeared.
The scene on the open place was terrifying.
On seeing Billet the cheering was tremendous.
"He is a brave man," said Billet to Gonchon, "or rather I should say he is stubborn. He will not surrender the Bastile but will sustain the siege."
"But how many men will be killed by us?" said the farmer, no doubt fearing that he had not the right usurped by generals, kings and emperors, those who take out licenses to kill and maim.
"Rubbish," said Gonchon; "there are too many, since we have not enough for half the population. Is not that about the size of it, boys?" he asked of the bystanders.
"Yes, yes," was the reply in sublime abnegation.
"It need be filled up in only one place," responded the beggar's leader: "and I calculate that we could choke it up altogether, eh, lads?"
The friends answered unanimously in the affirmative.